It's Christmas Vacation

I know it's been a bit since the last post, but we went on a week long vacation and I have been going non stop since we returned.  My overly generous parents took our family on a week long vacation to the Florida Keys for our Christmas present.  Our thoughts were that we might as well take advantage of being able to travel before you know who graduates and starts having a family (that would be me!).  Side Note:  I officially graduate in less than one year!  Yep, you heard me. ONE YEAR!  Back to the story, we spent a week in Islamorada, Florida.  We have not been on a family vacation in 6 years.  We went the year before the hubby and I got married.  Needless to say it has been way too long and we definitely made up for lost time!  I have never had so much fun with my family!  The hubby and I also got to meet my brother's new girlfriend (we will call her KC) and I immediately fell in love! 

Here are a few pictures from the trip!

 Just landed in MIA and ready for a little R & R!

 First sunset in Islamorada

 First night doing a little bar hopping

 Our view from the deck

 We did some serious kayaking and canoeing all week! So much fun!

 Sunset at Lorelei's! 

 My favorite place, Islamorada Fish Company

 We went to South Beach in Miami on our way to pick up KC. 

 The sweet couple!

 Ready for a little fishin'

 Took a day trip to Key West

 Sunset Cruise in Key West!  Loved it!

 Last night in Florida!

We just can't be serious........so much fun!

Merry Christmas to everyone!  I hope you all get to spend time with friends and family! Much love from the Morgans!

Just Playing Catch Up

A late Happy Thanksgiving to everybody!!!  I've been a bit slack these days, but I do have an excuse or so I think it's a pretty good excuse.  My parents and big bro were in town the week of Thanksgiving and this week at school has been one of the worst, no kidding!  I defended my research project/thesis on Monday and the family and hubby were able to make it to that which was wonderful!  Getting the research project/thesis out of the way is a huge accomplishment!  Now just one year left of school and I am home free! 

While the family was here, my big bro and I ran in a Thanksgiving Day 8k race.  It was his first race and I was honored to share that experience with him.  He truly is one of my very best friends and a passion for running is something we share.  A few pics from the race.

Pre-race picture!

After crossing the finish.......I might have been a little eager to finish!

Post-race pic with our medals!

Thanksgiving lunch picture!  My favorite boys!

Also, while the family was in town we had family pictures made.  We haven't had a good family picture made since the hubby and I got married 5 years ago.  So, we had my friend that took the Morgan family pictures do the same for my side of the family.  Again, she made us all look so much better than we are!

We had a really good week! So glad they were all able to make it!  My big bro and I talked the parents into not buying Christmas presents this year (the momma has a tendency to go WAY over the top with gifts) and taking a trip as a family!  We are headed to Islamorada, Florida in 10 days! 

That's the end of playing catch up.......................I'll just keep up next time

Half-marathon.....check!

Of the thousands of people that read this riveting blog (ha!), some of you may remember the post about my running life and that I was training for my first half-marathon. Well, this past weekend was D-Day!  And I honestly could not have been more proud of myself.  I know that is probably a really selfish thing to say, but it's the honest truth.  One of my dearest friends, that I run with, and my husband were my support group for the day and I couldn't have appreciated it more!  They totally kept me calm and my mind off things before the race started.  I also had a few friends that were running the race and were so happy to experience it with them. 

About the race................my normal running route includes a couple of hills/incline, but not anything like the race.  I was really surprised at the fact that when we got to the 6th mile marker it really only felt like we had just started the race; however, once we got to the 12th mile I didn't feel the same way.  There was so much going on and lots of people (you have to remember I run with 4 other women, not 2700 other people) that I think I was having sensory overload and didn't realize how long we had been running.  Needless to say, I loved it no matter how hard it was and will definitely be running another half.

Here are a few pictures from the day!!

My sweet friend Sharon came with me to support and keep me from getting nervous/anxious!  She was a huge help! Love her!

My dearest hubby has been with me all the way!  He was wonderful through the training process and long runs that took up tons of time on the weekends.  I am not sure who was more proud me or him!  He has pretty much told everyone he has come in contact with since Saturday.  

 My friends Kate and her husband Paul ran with me.  Kate was my instructor this summer during my internship at the hospital.  

 My sweet hubby succeeded! His only job was to get a picture of me actually running.  This was at the finish.  If you can't tell I am struggling just a little, but finished in 2 hours and 13 minutes!

 A few of my running buddies came to support and their daughters made signs for me!  Too sweet!

The running crew after the race!  Kevin is on the left and even though it may not look like it, there is a medal and number under that sweatshirt.  Kevin's wife is one of my dearest friends and was unable to make it to the race, but I know she was supporting from home!  

I had such a good time even though it was a long race.  So glad to have that under my belt and ready for the next one!

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday and weekend everybody!!!  Just wanted to share a few things that are making me happy these days!

Finding these ballet flats on sale at Target!


The half-marathon is upon us!  Tomorrow is D-Day!


My new favorite snack! Apples and PB!


My favorite holiday is fast approaching! 

Hope everybody has a wonderful weekend!